Senior Consultant – Transit Safety Oversight – Baltimore/Washington Area

About TRA

TRA provides transportation consulting services with unparalleled expertise, extensive experience, and practical work products. TRA is one of the most trusted consulting firms in the U.S., having contracted with every major transit agency in North America. Our pragmatic approach to solving organizational and operational issues focuses on delivering practical, high-quality solutions to improve safety and security, enhance business process flow, and apply industry best practices.

TRA’s Mission

TRA provides practical, high-value services that enhance safety, security, operations, and management. Our experts focus on the unique needs of each client, working within their resources to deliver effective solutions.

TRA’s Vision

TRA will leverage its reputation for quality consulting services to continue to grow the markets we serve, the quality of our client services, the efficiency and effectiveness of our internal business processes, and the development and satisfaction of our employees, upon whom our continued success depends.

Position Overview

Transportation Resource Associates, Inc. (TRA) is looking for an experienced Senior Consultant – Transit Safety Oversight – to join our dynamic team. The Senior Consultant’s responsibilities include:

• Being based in the Baltimore/Washington area, with a full-time, in-office placement with the Maryland Department of Transportation headquarters in Hanover, MD near BWI Marshall Airport, along with regular, required local in-person field work in Baltimore City, and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Montgomery counties, MD.
• Working regularly and frequently with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, and Purple Line projects as part of the independent State Safety Oversight Agency.
• Providing substantial technical input into TRA’s client consulting work, whether as a lead, or as a subject matter expert working at the direction of others.
• Acting as a front-line interface with TRA’s clients and other project stakeholders.
• Includes field work, office work, quantitative and qualitative research and analyses, regulatory analyses, report development, presentation development and delivery, project management, and other consulting project responsibilities.
• Participating in and leading client interviews, field assessments, and observations; documentation of business processes; writing and editing reports and proposals; interpreting and editing client documentation and procedures; and providing data, information, and analyses for use by TRA project managers and subject matter experts, as well as clients.
• Assisting with and facilitating the review of agency plans, policies and procedures; audits and inspections, event and investigation reports, and corrective action plans.
• Developing clear and cogent written reports and correspondence.
• Regular visits to TRA’s Philadelphia, PA office, and working with TRA’s Philadelphia-based project staff, and with personnel based elsewhere in the U.S. to complete client and project work.

The position answers primarily to TRA personnel, but also will interface directly with TRA clients. TRA offers unique opportunities for its employees to grow with the company, in both seniority and technical and professional development.

Senior Consultant – Transit Safety Oversight Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in relevant fields (e.g., civil, systems, mechanical, electrical, structural engineering, transportation planning, industrial hygiene, public administration/public policy) is preferred, but not required. Equivalent professional skills and experience will also be considered.
• At least five years of experience in rail and/or bus transit, transportation, engineering, planning, or similar disciplines are strongly preferred. However, candidates with successful careers in other applicable areas will be considered.
• Candidates who have completed, or have already begun working toward the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) required by 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 672 are preferred, but not required; commensurate skills and experience will also be considered. TRA will provide support for obtaining this certification in accordance with established Federal timeline requirements.
• Experience and interest in public transportation safety, security, operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance is preferred. Experience and familiarity with Safety Management Systems (SMS) in any industry is beneficial, as is knowledge of Federal Transit Administration and/or U.S. Department of Transportation requirements, including 49 CFR Parts 672, 673, and 674.
• Candidates must be physically capable of working in a rail transit right-of-way, and be able to meet physical agility requirements sufficient to complete typical rail transit and railroad training and certification requirements for roadway worker protection. This includes but is not limited to, working in active tracks, on aerial structures, in tunnels, and grade-separated rail rights-of-way.
• Candidates must be proven team players, with an outstanding record of stakeholder relations and coworker interaction. Must be detail-oriented, organized, and flexible. Candidates must have excellent written and verbal communications skills, strong ability for critical thinking, and an excellent capacity to analyze, understand, and incorporate technical information.
• Candidates must think creatively about data and how to present it as useful and engaging information, both for external and internal use. Candidates with skills and experience creating graphics, layouts, and templates are preferred.
• Candidates must be able to work independently and interface regularly with a wide range of clients and coworkers. Successful candidates must have the ability to build effective professional relationships, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and must actively look for ways they can help the TRA team and our clients.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Database and MS Project experience is a plus.
• Candidates must have strong writing skills and be able to communicate complex information effectively to multiple types of audiences, including individuals with and without technical backgrounds or skills.
• Must be primarily based in the Baltimore/Washington area, with full-time office and field work throughout the Baltimore region. Position is salaried, and is based on an approximately 45-hour work week. Schedule and total hours will vary depending on current assignments.
• Candidates must have a valid driver’s license, and be willing to undergo a criminal background check, and be a U.S. citizen.

Candidates must send a detailed description of their interest in the Senior Consultant – Transit Safety Oversight position, their ability to meet its qualifications, their understanding of TRA and its work, and how they will help TRA thrive and grow. Please forward information to consultingpositions@traonline.com.